Police tighten security ahead of polls in Chittoor, Sri Sathya Sai districts

Police personnel inspecting arrangements at an MPP School at Nindra in Chittoor district on Thursday.

Police in Chittoor and Sri Sathya Sai districts on Thursday issued a warning to those attempting to disrupt the polling process and stepped up security measures across the districts.

Inspecting arrangements in Chittoor on Thursday, Deputy SP J. Venkatanarayana said that the election campaigning would officially conclude at 5 p.m. on October 30.

He said the local commercial establishments were placed under strict watch. Managers of lodges, function halls, and homestays were instructed not to accommodate outsiders in violation of poll guidelines. Additionally, residents were cautioned against sheltering individuals who breach the guidelines.

The Deputy SP stressed that voters must be allowed to exercise their franchise free from fear, pressure, or inducements. He warned against individuals who intend to interfere with the voting process of other wards. “Any attempts to intimidate voters or disturb public order will be dealt with firmly,” Mr. Venkatanarayana said.

Meanwhile, Sri Sathya Sai District Collector and Election Officer A. Shyam Prasad on Thursday ordered the closure of liquor outlets across relevant polling areas. “Shops must remain shut from 5 p.m. on November 3 to 5 p.m. on November 5. It covers the critical 48-hour window ahead of polling and on November 7, the day when counting of votes will be taken up,” the Collector said.